The Top End has some of the best fishing in the world, but you have to know where to go. Get local tips on where to throw your line in when you visit Darwin.

Kakadu - South & East Alligator River 

While Kakadu is a little further out of Darwin, it’s well worth the 3-4 hour drive. Discover the floodplains of the South Alligator and the sandstone gorge country of the East Alligator, with secluded billabongs in between. 

The South Alligator is one of the Top End’s most active barramundi rivers, particularly in the tropical summer (November to April) and run-off (March and April). During the cooler months, expect to find Black Jewfish and Golden Snapper around the mouth of the river.

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Darwin Harbour

If you're keen on bluewater fishing, Darwin Harbour is a great, easy to access choice. Eight times bigger than Sydney Harbour, Darwin Harbour is dotted with shipwrecks, mangroves and is an anglers paradise.

Catch Spanish Mackeral and Longtail Tuna in the dry season and troll baits for Marlin and Sailfish toward the end of the year. You can also bottom bounce for reef fish like Black Jewfish and Snapper right throughout the year.

Most Darwin Harbour charters leave from Cullen Bay, but there are also a number of boat hire companies and tackle shops if you want to do it all yourself.

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Mary River National Park

Grab your rod and explore the lower reaches of Mary River at the famous Shady Camp. Just 2 hours from Darwin, Shady Camp is a popular spot for beginners and experts alike. 

Corroboree Billabong is another great spot to throw your line in. Aside from consistently good fishing, the surrounding tropical wetlands are one of the most scenic in the Top End.

The best time to fish at Mary River is during run-off season between March and April each year. This is when the floodplains begin to drain and the rivers are teeming with Barramundi. 

Fun fact: Most NT rivers have an average of 5 crocodiles per kilometre, but in the Mary River that number jumps up to nearly 15!

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Bynoe Harbour

Around 1.5 hours by boat south-west of Darwin, Bynoe Harbour is a great dry season hot spot for fish.

As the harbour is relatively shallow and lined with mangrove forest, it offers a great habitat for species including Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Threadfin Salmon and Mud Crab. There are also deep holes that fish well for Black Jewfish.

You can jump on a day charter to Bynoe Harbour from Darwin. Expect to see some incredible scenery and wildlife along the way.

Image: Tourism NT